Estia confirms Norah Barlow as new CEO, taps Ian Thorley as COO

Estia has tapped interim boss Norah Barlow to permanently replace Paul Gregersen as CEO.

Norah Barlow XXXX

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9:24AMOctober 31, 2016

Estia Health has permanently hired interim boss Norah Barlow less than two months after the departure of Paul Gregersen as chief executive.

Mr Gregersen’s sudden exit after a period of turbulence for the once high-flying aged care group (EHE) forced the company to turn to director Ms Barlow as a temporary replacement while a global search took place for a permanent chief executive.

Six weeks after that search began, the company has opted to retain Ms Barlow in the top role, while also tapping Ian Thorley to serve as chief operating officer.

“I said at the time of Norah’s appointment as acting CEO that we were very fortunate to have someone of her quality and experience to step into that role and we hope to have a three-year contract finalised with Norah by the time of the annual general meeting in November,” chairman Pat Grier said.

“Norah is one of the most respected leaders in the aged care sector in Australasia and she will work closely with the board as we continue to provide the highest standards of services to our residents.”

Ms Barlow expressed confidence in the group’s prospects despite a year of tumult punctuated by sharp earnings downgrades and the shock exit of founder Peter Arvanitis from the board and significant shareholder register

“I have first-hand knowledge of the quality of Estia’s staff and assets and I am determined to ensure that Estia continues to deliver the highest standards of clinical services to our residents,” Ms Barlow said.

“We are progressing with a strategic review of our operations, and quality of resident care is at the core of the company’s purpose. I will be working closely with Ian and the management team to ensure we exceed the highest standards.”

Ms Barlow will retain the position of chairman at Evolve Education, with her other directorships up for discussion with the Estia board.

Meanwhile, Mr Thorley joins after 30 years of working in the aged care sector, including the last 18 months serving as a consultant to AMP Capital.